Flintwood Town – Arsenal: preview
We have the predictions for the Flintwood Town vs Arsenal match in the fourth round of the League Cup 2026/27 season.
"Flintwood" has beaten "Chesterfield" (1:0), "Shrewsbury Town" (4:0) and "Sheffield United" (1:0) on the way to the fourth round. "Arsenal" defeated "Ipswich Town" (4:2).
Key moments
Flintwood Town
"Flintwood" only wins in the League Cup.
The last season of Flintwood’s Second League finished mid-table, and in the League Cup they were knocked out in the first round. This season has been a problem for the fishers: they only reached the fourth round, having been eliminated much earlier before. "Flintwood" is struggling in the Second League: they are just two points from the relegation zone, with only one win and five losses in the last eight games. The three wins in the 2026/27 League Cup occurred before this series began. In the third round "Flintwood" eliminated "Sheffield" (1:0) from the Championship, handing the ball to the opponent and staying in defense; the decisive goal was scored by the favourite himself. Since then Flintwood’s defence has lost reliability: creating a big surprise is almost impossible.
2. Mackan added to the list of losses
The main midfielder of "Flintwood", Lewis Mackan, will miss the match against "Arsenal" due to a suspension received for accumulation of yellow cards. Rys Bennett, for a similar reason, missed the last round’s Second League match but has served his suspension and will return to the field. Kane Thompson‑Summers and Andy Cannone will not play due to injuries. Both have been absent for a while, so the team has adapted to their loss.
3. Flintwood’s defence fails in almost every game
In the League Cup "Flintwood" drew two four‑goal matches, but in the Second League results are much worse: in the last eight games only one win and 14 goals conceded. In total, over 13 rounds the fishers conceded 17 goals, but allowed 24.53 xG – the third worst result in the tournament. And if in the fourth round of the division the opponent of "Flintwood" usually forgives, "Arsenal" will probably not: in the previous League Cup round, even with a reserve squad, they scored four goals against "Ipswich" before the 58th minute.
Arsenal
1. "Arsenal" regained momentum after the break
The loss to "Brighton" before the international break is forgotten: since then "Arsenal" has not lost: in the last five games the Gunners have four wins and only one draw – with "Bayern" (2:2) in the Champions League. They have conceded only three goals – three matches in which "Arsenal" drew. In total, in the current season there are already eight draws in 13 matches. Yes, in the League Cup the Londoners let two of "Ipswich" (4:2) slip, but then "Arsenal" relaxed, taking the score to four goals. Something similar could happen in the game against "Flintwood", but first "Arsenal" will score several times against the opponent.
2. Arteta will rotate using youth
As in the match against "Ipswich", Mikel Arteta will rotate, sending a series of substitutes at the start. This time all leaders will rest. From those who regularly appear in the Premier League and Champions League, Miles Lewis‑Skelly and Eberechi Eze will appear. Some players will miss the match due to injuries – namely Riccardo Calafiori, Bukayo Saka and Cristo Solis. Calafiori has nothing serious, and Solis is almost recovered, but Arteta will not risk "Flintwood". Youth will have their chance. One of their representatives is Marley Salmon, who performed well in the match against "Ipswich": he played 90 minutes and demonstrated 100% passing accuracy.
3. "Arsenal" will prepare – the League Cup has been tough
"Arsenal" has not won the League Cup since the 1992/93 season. Since then the Londoners have reached the final four times, but the trophy has never been touched. In the last five years, "Arsenal" has been eliminated in the third and fourth rounds of the tournament. With Arteta, "Arsenal" has won all competitions, except the Champions League and the League Cup, so it is unlikely the team will relax seriously. Moreover, substitutes will start on the field, each of whom has something to prove to the coach.
Possible lineups
3-5-2-4-3-11
Linch 5
Potter 6
Bennett 26
Runi 3
Andrew 10
Helm 4
Neal 27
McLean 29
Cirino 17
Evans 19
Kohlan 13
Arri Sabalga 12
Timmer 89
Salmon 3
Moskera 5
Incapie 36
Subimendi 49
Lewis‑Skelly 56
Dauman 23
Merino 10
Eze 43
Annous
Betting predictions
In four of the last six "Arsenal" League Cup matches, fewer than four goals were scored. Bet: TM 3.5 at 1.90.
In six of the last nine "Arsenal" matches in English cup competitions, both sides scored. Bet: both teams to score – Yes at 2.50.
Prediction
Flintwood Town vs Arsenal 28.10.2026 00:00
"Flintwood" is struggling in the Second League: they are just two points from the relegation zone, with only one win and five losses in the last eight games. The three wins in the 2026/27 League Cup occurred before this series began. Flintwood’s defence is one of the worst in the league: over 13 rounds the fishers conceded 17 goals, but allowed 24.53 xG. And if in the third round cup match with "Sheffield" (1:0) they managed to stay in the lower zone, it is now unlikely to happen. The loss to "Brighton" before the international break is forgotten – since then "Arsenal" has not lost: in the last five games the Gunners have four wins and only one draw – with "Bayern" (2:2) in the Champions League. In the match with "Flintwood" Arteta will make a big rotation, but relaxation is unlikely: they will play substitutes who have to prove something. Moreover, "Arsenal" has not won the League Cup since 1993. They will have to deal with "Flintwood". Prediction: 0-4.
